Tailgating system

Abstract

A tailgating system for attachment to a transport vehicle includes a cabinet configured to include at least one of a refrigerator, a grill, a draft system, and a dry storage cabinet. A movable hitch assembly includes a hitch coupling configured to be coupled to a hitch ball connectable to the transport vehicle. The movable hitch assembly is configured to move the hitch coupling up and down relative to the cabinet to raise and lower the cabinet when the movable hitch assembly is coupled to the transport vehicle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application 61 / 143,615, filed Jan. 9, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention generally relates to a tailgating system for use in the preparation and enjoyment of food and beverages at a sporting or outdoor event.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Tailgaters currently do not have a means to consolidate, store, or transport all of their activities and supplies. Additionally, tailgaters are limited in the activities that they can perform and features they can enjoy. The tailgating system of the invention provides refrigeration, draft beer, dry storage, electrical power, and streamlined transportation and storage of tailgating materials in a compact and secure package. The tailgating system of the invention gives tailgaters an alternative to using supplies and methods obtained from various locations and replaces them with a stan...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0042]4. The user may switch the battery power to supply power to the motorized hitch assembly. The user may depress “raise” and “lower” buttons to raise and lower the motorized hitch assembly to the desired height. Upon positioning the motorized hitch in line and slightly above the vertical ball hitch assembly, the user may depress the “raise” button. This action may lower the motorized hitch assembly. The downward action of the motorized hitch assembly acting against the vertical ball hitch assembly raises the tailgating system off of the ground. As a result, the automobile now carries the load of the tailgating system via the receiver hitch. The user also connects the tailgating system to the vehicle's trailer hitch power outlet.

[0047]1. The trailer hitch electrical connection has an extension cord so that a power connection can be maintained between the vehicle's trailer hitch power outlet and the tailgating system, even when the tailgating system is removed from the hitch. This power supply is considered as a back up. The built in automatic safety system may prevent the car battery from being drained below 11 V by the tailgating system.

[0052]6. During the tailgating event, the user may also have access to dry storage spaces. The user may store items to be used during the tailgating event. Items may be easily accessed through cabinet doors.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, the gas valve that regulates the amount of propane delivered to the grill burners remains hidden and can not be operated while the grill is stowed.

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